Searching for a Cloud Computing Provider? Make sure you know what to look for!

While it’s important that you do your homework and shop around as you would for any product, picking a provider for Cloud Computing is an especially big decision; so SheBytes wants to give you the tips and secrets on what to pay attention to.

Because I know a thing or two about Cloud Computing, (I’m the co-founder of NYC Based Madison Technology), I thought I can lend a hand and offer some words of wisdom on Cloud Services NY.

For those of you still unfamiliar with Cloud in general, read up by starting with the post titled “What is Cloud Computing?”. The post begins a series of Cloud-dedicated bytes on the apples and oranges of Cloud Computing. Here’s the quick gist of the groundbreaking technology: “Cloud Computing describes the accessing of data and applications using the Internet.”

Although it sounds simple, it allows your business to do incredible things, like dramatically cut down IT costs, have your technology managed for you and permits you to focus on your core business.

Now in terms of selecting a Cloud Computing Provider, here are a number of things which I see as vital parts of the Cloud Computing Provider’s repertoire:

As the old adage goes, “the customer is always right”. Along these lines, it’s crucial that the Cloud Provider offers its clients around the clock, personal support. No matter what somebody will tell you, there’s absolutely no substitute for face-to-face support. You want a real, live person working on any tech issues which may arise (and trust me, something always does).

In the modern age, security is key (sorry for the lame pun). When you ask potential Cloud Providers about their security measures; get assurance that they feel comfortable securing your data. The ideal security combination is a balance between practicality and layers of protection (like the additional level of authentication we provide our clients with at Madison Technology).

Make sure your provider is local, somewhere within driving distance of your own business. That way the provider will recognize the importance of accountability; as it’s their job to make sure you’re always up and running. Remember: most issues can troubleshoot remotely; but not all!

Look for a Cloud Provider that isn’t a one trick pony. It’s a million times easier to have one company manage ALL of your businesses IT needs; everything from VoIP to Cloud Desktops, than to piece-meal it. Once everything’s under one roof, you’ll sleep easy at night knowing who’s responsible for your technology. It also saves you money: when one hand knows what the other is doing, you operate in the most efficient and cost effective IT environment.

Don’t go with a company who will quote you prices or send you a proposal without a meeting! Although this may not seem like a big deal, until you can meet with a client and discuss their specific business, it’s impossible to accurately quote them anything. Cloud Computing is a unique and customizable service with a personal package that’s different for each and every client.

Although costs are certainly a big issue when it comes to any business decision, don’t make price the main point. Sometimes flexibility and customization is more valuable. Go ahead with the Cloud Computing Provider, who you feel the most comfortable with.

Keeps these things in mind when you’re making the move to the Cloud! Learn more about Madison Technology by clicking here.

Every SMB must take advantage of powerful Cloud Computing. An SMB (small-midsize business), usually doesn’t have steady cash flow, one of the many reasons to go Cloud!

Although you hear the terms “Cloud Computing”, “Cloud”, “Cloud Solution”, “Moving to the Cloud” and “Cloud Desktop” everywhere, a vast amount of people still have absolutely no idea what this means.

Because of this, I wrote a six part series of “Bytes” for SheBytes, all on different elements of Cloud Computing, which I kicked off with the quintessential; “What is Cloud Computing?” While I highly recommend those of you still unclear on the topic to go and check out each of those posts, allow me to explain exactly what Cloud can do for you.

Here’s a simple quote from that first installment, to give you all a taste of the Cloud:

“Cloud Computing describes the accessing of data and applications using the Internet”

It’s as easy as that!

Instead of buying physical servers, a business can now lease dedicated, secure and fully managed server space from a Cloud Computing Provider.

But when you look deeper into it, Cloud Computing enables us to do tremendous things like “Run Windows 7 on an iPad” and take your work with you, literally anywhere the road takes you!

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I had back in the beginning of the summer, to share the stage with the brilliant Rackspace CEO; John Engates at the NY; 12 Hours of Tech.

John and I presented in a tag-team style on Virtual Desktop Services Manhattan. With John getting the ball rolling with his part of the presentation, I then stepped in to deliver my take on the industry. Both of us made sure that attendees would leave the event with not only a much more vivid understanding of the “abstract” Cloud, but also that they’d see how the solution could be applied to their own business.

Here are the full videos of our presentations, followed by a couple of things each of us highlighted about the Cloud:

To me personally, one of the really key parts of cloud technology is its customizability. For example, at my own company; Madison Technology (MTI) we have hands-on-designed and selected the components we use. Because we have built our multifaceted cloud platform from the ground up; there are no surprises. We know every inch of our system.

This approach allows us to give extremely specific and precise services to our clients; thereby, creating huge values for our customers. Instead of pursuing a one-size-fits-all business model, MTI is aware that each and every business situation is unique. Because no two companies are exactly the same, why would they need the exact same thing? Instead, we personalize solutions so that they fit our customers like a glove, (to cut down on unnecessary costs) but leave enough room for our clients to scale the model when additional resources are needed.

For SMB’s, there is simply no better solution!

Why purchase your own servers, manage them and deal with down time and service when you can rent them and have them fully managed for you?

Because MTI is NY based, we are available around the clock; literally 365-24-7 to make sure that things are running smoothly.

As a Cloud Provider MTI is flexible; to make sure that each and every one of your technology needs is addressed in the plan. This way, with limited and precious capital, you can sit back and relax. No more agonizing over your company’s tech needs which just distracts you from your core business.

So make sure to check out the videos above, to learn why if you’re not already in the Cloud, you should be making the move.